News

Jul 26, 2015

How to choose a graphic designer

When it comes to graphic design for your business only the best will do.

The look and feel of your logo, marketing materials, website, even business card are all so important when t comes to making an impression on your potential client base. But do you know how to choose a graphic designer? If not, don’t worry, because here we have put together our top tips for choosing a graphic designer to suit not only your business needs, but also you – after all, you have to work with them!

Top tips for how to choose a graphic designer:

1. Define your project

Know what you want from your designer. It is no good employing a designer if they have to come up with all the ideas, unknowing if it is what their client wants or not – they should be able to get a good feel for what you require, and go away and work with it to bring your vision to life.

2. Ask around

There’s no better recommendation than a word of mouth referral. Ask friends and colleagues if they have dealt with any graphic design agencies before, how they found the work they produced, and whether or not they would recommend them. After all, if someone has had a bad experience, they are not going to suggest the company to you – a great way of quickly finding reputable graphic design agencies.

3. Google them.

Once you have a list of recommended people, or even if you don’t... get on Google. For those you do have a name for, search for them and take a look at their site. If you have no name, then try searching for terms such as ‘graphic design agency '+ your location’ and see who comes up on the first page. When looking at their site it is important to make a note of your first reaction – do you like the site, is it clear, concise, does it have good graphics, and do you wish your site looked as good? Does the graphic designer have updated testimonials from real people and companies? Who have they worked for previously (in terms of clients), and do they showcase a range of portfolios on their site? These are all important things to bear in mind when you are choosing a graphic designer.

4. Request a meeting

Once you have decided on your top 3 or 4 agencies, it is time to make contact. If you are not one for making phone calls, then by all means send an email outlining your project and what you require from them. At the end of the email request that you meet up with the designer, face to face, to discuss the project in more detail. By meeting face to face you will get a feel for the type of person they are, and whether you get on or not. You also need to see if they can help bring your project to life in a way better than you could imagine.

5. Compare proposals

Following the meetings with the agencies, they will be busy working on their proposals and quotes, with the hope of working with you. Remember, the cheapest doesn’t mean the best value for money. It is really important not to go with the cheapest just for that reason. Take in to account how you felt about them, their company, and what they can offer you – and if your favourite just happens to be the cheapest – then that’s a bonus!

6. Build a relationship

Once you take a graphic designer on board, it is important to keep in contact with them, share any new ideas you have, but equally, re-evaluate things if the designs are not going the way you have imagined – any good designer will be able to work to the needs of the client, whilst at the same time offering suggestions and advice to help your business, in terms of design.

We hope these top tips have shown you how to choose a graphic designer – good luck!